Research Study Support Coordinator

Department: MED-Psych & Behavioral Science
Salary/Grade: NEX/11

Job Summary:

To be considered for this position, please include a cover letter that acknowledges the administrative responsibilities of this position and highlight any relevant administrative and research experiences.

Provides administrative, operational, and research support to a senior faculty member who serves as Principal Investigator (PI), Director of the Health Disparities and Public Policy Program (HDPP), and Vice Chair of Research, as well as to Co-Investigators in HDPP. HDPP, housed in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, is conducting The Northwestern Juvenile Project, a longitudinal research study examining long-term outcomes among individuals first enrolled as youth in juvenile detention and followed into adulthood.

The role requires exceptional organizational skills, excellent professional judgment, and the ability to independently coordinate complex priorities across faculty and departmental responsibilities and events. The coordinator manages calendars, prepares polished written materials, maintains critical filing systems, supports program tasks, and ensures that meetings and events run smoothly. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a high-expectations environment that involves frequent, direct feedback, iterative refinement of work, high standards of accuracy, and close collaboration with senior faculty. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a professional, composed, detail-oriented approach, a positive and solutions-focused disposition, and a strong ability to anticipate needs and keep work moving forward in a dynamic academic environment.

Core Responsibilities

• Conduct daily check-ins with the PI to confirm priorities, deadlines, and task urgency; maintain accurate to-do lists and provide timely reminders
• Draft, format, proofread, and finalize letters, memos, presentations, and other materials following established style standards
• Perform detailed editorial review, including hard-copy proofreading, and maintain CVs, bibliographies, and publication records
• Plan and coordinate meetings and events, including room reservations, agendas, materials, hybrid/AV setup, RSVPs, catering, and logistics
• Register the PI for conferences, maintain related documentation, and help prepare post-travel reimbursement packets
• Maintain organized Windows-based filing systems and document conventions
• Gather and compile quarterly newsletter content and perform final quality checks on department drafts
• Conduct literature searches on assigned topics and prepare concise summaries of findings
• Assist in developing presentation materials, including slides, visuals, and background content
• Support preparation of materials for research meetings, talks, and academic presentations

Full-Time: Standard M-F schedule, hybrid 3 days per week-in office; must be in office on Thursdays. Onboarding and training are conducted in-person.

Please note: Supervisor provides objectives, deadlines and specific instructions only for new, difficult, and/or unusual work. Work is reviewed upon completion and only occasionally to verify technical accuracy and compliance with practice, policy, and procedures. EE informs supervisor of on-going progress and/or potentially controversial matters.

Specific Responsibilities:

Technical

• Collects, compiles, tabulates & processes responses.
• Gathers information.

Administration

• Collects, records, reviews & summarizes research data.
• Collates relevant mathematical results & prepares tables, charts & graphs
• Prepares reports for investigators and sponsors on recruitment status and other pertinent study data.
• Completes documents associated with current local, state, & federal regulatory guidelines, requirements, laws & research protocols.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as social or health science or related appropriate combination of education and experience and 2 years' research study or other relevant experience required;

• Must complete NU's IRB CITI training before interacting with any participants & must re-certify every 3 years.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and balance short- and long-term projects

• Advanced Microsoft (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) including strong proficiency with editing, formatting, and Track Changes

• Ability to identify, research, and solve problems independently

• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy

• Keen attention to detail and strong organizational skills

• Demonstrated ability to receive frequent, direct feedback and incorporate revisions quickly, accurately, and professionally

• Ability to maintain composure, judgment, and effectiveness in a fast-paced, high-expectations environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting faculty, investigators, executives, or senior leaders in an academic or research environment.

• Experience working with empirical research studies

• Experience working in higher education

• Experience conducting literature searches and reviews

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including professionalism, diplomacy, and confidence when working with senior faculty
• Familiarity with hybrid/Zoom meeting setup, AV troubleshooting, and room/space coordination
• Familiarity with academic citation styles
• Demonstrated ability to navigate feedback and high standards while maintaining productive working relationships

Target hiring range for this position will be between $19.89 - 24.86 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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